Weight Gain

Tethys41 said:

Weight Gain

Do you have thyroid issues?  I have seen that many women who were treated with carbo/taxol for ovarian cancer end up with Hashimoto's, or autoimmunity of the thyroid.  Have you had a thyroid test since treatment?

One of the first tests was a thyroid panel - then a hormone panel both of those turned out good.  But that's good information to have! 

MAbound said:

Weight

I lost 30# during treatment but have stopped losing weight since finishing radiation. I'm worried though because I'm going to be starting Megace soon which is supposed stimulate appetite and potentially cause fluid retention, so I feel your pain. I'd like to lose another 30# rather than gain anything back. The only thing I can think of is to maybe try something like interval dieting to maybe get your body out of conservation mode. Your body may be so used to the consistent lower calorie count that it's slowed your metabolism to the point that you're gaining rather than losing weight. You may need to vary your calorie count to get it out of that rut, but I don't know for sure how you get started on something like this, but it might be something to look into. It's a never ending battle, eh?

 

I feel sore all over- I wonder about lymph fluid from the nodes that were removed- perhaps our systems aren't draining correctly- I've heard about ladies with different problems having great fluctuations in weight with fluid.

I have been trying the intermittent fasting- is that what you are talking about?  I've tried about everything I can think of.  I do have a piece of ezekiel sprouted bread from time to time.  I don't know.  I just don't want to keep gaining and the pain all over but especially in my ribs and hips is a real downer!

I am thinking that if this doesn't resolve soon I am going to request a CT just to be certain that nothing else is going on.  My Dr. is one that doesn't believe in them unless there is a reason.  

Thanks much for your response and yes, never ending..... (((HUGS)))

Kaleena said:

Appointment

Well I saw the GI on Friday.  He was a very nice doctor!  He was very thorough and took time to listen to me and then indicated the following:  He believes that I might have something called pancreatic divisium.  This is actually a birth defect where the pancreatic duct stays divided instead of forming one duct and if one of those ducts gets block it could cause the problems I am having.   He indicated that no matter what though he wants to remove my gallbladder.  First though I have to get an EUS and a colonoscopy and then have my gallbladder removed.

Finally, he did blood work for genetics:  PSS1, SPINK1, Cystic Fibrosis Gene, ANA, and Tryglicerides.   A high trygliceride can cause pancreatitis.   I don't know what the turnaround time is for those tests.  However, I did get my tryglicerides test back yesterday and it was 169 (borderline high).   I'll keep you informed what else takes place.

On another note, I weighed in at the most weight I have ever been.  14 pounds up since June.

((Hugs)))

Kathy

That is good information to have.  I am glad it sounds like the Dr. is at least looking into things and taking your seriously.  It's a bummer that you have to have your gallbladder out- did you have an ultrasound to see if it was full of stones or ???   Good news on the genetic tests- hope that brings you more answers.

Hate it that you were up 14 lbs.  I go see a new Dr. tomorrow due to new ins. and getting established and I intend to bring all my info and see if this gal is willing to get to the bottom of things or if she's seen anything like it before.  I am still going at it each day- just doing the right things and hoping my body finally kicks in gear.

Please let us know how things go as you go along- sending you such good thoughts and prayers  (((HUGS)))

I am now up to 10,000+ steps a day and the weight gain is continuing   I am beyond frustrated and in re-reading the above I realized that I had forgotten to mention that I have also been having heart palpitations which feel very much like anxiety but they can go on and on for hours when I am not anxious about anything.  I had that ultra sound, a chest x-ray, an ekg and an echo... my BP has been going haywire sometimes normal and other times very high.  This week I saw a cardiologist who explained that I have a Atrial Septal Defect- a hole in my heart from birth!  Normally these are caught much earlier.   She said they wanted me to wear a halter monitor for 48 hours regarding the palpitations and I haven't heard back yet on that but on March 1 (next Wed) I will be going in for a TEE (trans esophageal echo) so they can get a better look at the hole and decide how to proceed.

Someone posted earlier that having cancer should be enough and that is how I am feeling!  I am concerned if my poor body is strong enough to have a procedure and recover after all I've just been through.  I do know that I must have it repaired- the consequences of not are possible pulmonary hypertension which is not reversible.  I am also wondering if somehow this is connected to the rest of these symptoms? 

I would appreciate any feedback but more than anything just needed to share it and hope I can get some prayers for next Wed. and for whatever comes.  I do have to say that it is intriguing to think that if they can fix this and my body is operating at 100% capacity for the 1st time in my life it could be a wonderful thing.  Whatever it is I am going take it a day at a time and LIVE my life and enjoy each day.   (((HUGS)))

CheeseQueen57 said:

Good Luck

BTW, nothing to the TEE. 

Good to hear- doesn't sound fun at all